TV series
The moment you back down is the moment you lose!
Makunouchi Ippo is an ordinary high school student in Japan. Since he spends most of his time away from school helping his mother run the family business, he doesn't get to enjoy his younger years like most teenagers. Always a target for bullying at school (the family fishing business grants him a distinct odor), Ippo's life is one of hardship. One of these after-school bullying sessions turns Ippo's life around for the better, as he is saved by a boxer named Takamura. He decides to follow in Takamura's footsteps and train to become a boxer, giving his life direction and purpose. Ippo's path to perfecting his pugilistic prowess is just beginning...
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Fighting Spirit is available to stream on Crunchyroll Premium (Via Amazon Prime), Netflix, Philo, Fawesome, Plex, and The CW in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Makunouchi Ippo is an ordinary high school student in Japan. Since he spends most of his time away from school helping his mother run the family business, he doesn't get to enjoy his younger years like most teenagers. Always a target for bullying at school (the family fishing business grants him a distinct odor), Ippo's life is one of hardship. One of these after-school bullying sessions turns Ippo's life around for the better, as he is saved by a boxer named Takamura. He decides to follow in Takamura's footsteps and train to become a boxer, giving his life direction and purpose. Ippo's path to perfecting his pugilistic prowess is just beginning...
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Makunouchi Ippo defeated Sendou Takeshi with his Dempsey Roll and became the Japanese Featherweight Champion! Reflecting on his recent title defenses, Ippo reminisces about his late father Kazuo, and his own desires to be as strong as his dad was.
Directed by Minoru Yamaoka, Shun KudoWritten by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
Episode 2
With his title on the line, Ippo goes toe-to-toe with Shimabukuro. The battle is so intense Ippo doesn’t even have room to breathe, to the point he starts turning blue! With Ippo struggling at the “bottom of the ocean,” has Shimabukuro met his goal of destroying the Dempsey Roll?!
Directed by Masato JimboWritten by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
Episode 3
Ippo emerges victorious after a vicious war with Shimabukuro, and Itagaki’s sister Nanako comes to pay him a visit at home while he rests. Meanwhile, Aoki is busy preparing for his first ever title match against the lightweight champion Imae Katsutaka.
Directed by Shun KudoWritten by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
Episode 4
After an infuriating face-off with Imae, Aoki turns to his girlfriend Tomiko for comfort. Meanwhile, Imae chooses to focus all his energy on boxing and his upcoming title defense, rebuffing his former girlfriend Sachiko’s attempts to rekindle their romance. Will Tomiko’s support carry Aoki to victory, or will Imae’s intense focus keep the belt on his waist?
Directed by Tatsuma MinamikawaWritten by Atsuo Ishino
Episode 5
Imae’s long hours of research quickly pay off as he decimates Aoki by countering every one of his trademark attacks, even the Frog Punch! As Tomiko watches on and the crowd awaits the inevitable knockout, Aoki does something that leaves the whole arena in shock.
Directed by Shun KudoWritten by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
Episode 6
Imae, cowed by Aoki’s fearsome new move, suddenly realizes what it is Aoki has that he lacks. Summoning up all the energy he has left, he faces his challenger once again. As the fight drags on, will Imae retain his championship, or will Aoki finally reach the belt?
Directed by Shun Kudo, Akira ManoWritten by Atsuo Ishino
Episode 7
Sendou Takeshi, the "Naniwa Tiger," returns to the ring! But it's his sparring partner, Sawamura Ryuuhei, who knocks Ippo for a loop when he calls the Dempsey Roll a "clumsy technique" and declares he's gunning for the Featherweight Title!
Directed by Tadao Okubo, Shun KudoWritten by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
Episode 8
Ippo's next title defense is confirmed to be against Sawamura Ryuuhei, and after realizing the Dempsey Roll is vulnerable to counter punches, Ippo realizes he doesn't stand a chance. His only option is to somehow evolve the Dempsey Roll into a more effective move, but as he mulls over exactly how to do it, a surprisingly familiar face appears in front of him.
Directed by Shun Kudo, Masami HataWritten by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
Episode 9
Volg has return to Japan to take back his boxing gloves from Ippo. He hopes to travel to America, but with no contacts there he must rely on Coach Kamogawa to introduce him to someone. The gang at the gym asks Volg to spar with Ippo to help him prepare for the Sawamura fight, but after such a long time away from the ring, can the Russian get in fighting shape in time?
Directed by Minoru YamaokaWritten by Atsuo Ishino
Episode 10
As the fight with Sawamura draws near, Ippo has pinned all his hopes on the newly-evolved Dempsey Roll, to the point where practicing it has left him worn out and overtrained. Left with a dire warning from his massage therapist about the toll his new move is taking, will Ippo be able to perfect his technique in time for the fight?!
Directed by Akira ManoWritten by Atsuo Ishino
Episode 11
Sawamura's blatant fouls and bullet-like left jabs leave Ippo scrambling to establish some kind of rhythm. He stubbornly forces his way inside, but is he charging headfirst into a trap?
Directed by Masami HataWritten by Hideo Takayashiki
Episode 12
Ippo mounts a desperate, full frontal assault as Sawamura continues to toy with him. Determined to take back the pace, Ippo begins to dodge the Bullets and get into a rhythm as he strikes back. Almost naturally he falls into the Dempsey Roll pattern, and Sawamura makes his move!
Directed by Masami HataWritten by Hideo Takayashiki
Episode 13
The evolved Dempsey Roll saved Ippo from the jaws of defeat. Bolstered by the cheering fans, he chases down Sawamura. But with Sawamura more willing than ever to risk an illegal move, will Ippo's last bit of energy be enough to defend the title?
Directed by Shun KudoWritten by Hideo Takayashiki
Episode 14
Ippo visits Dr. Yamaguchi and learns the full extent of the damage caused by the evolved Dempsey Roll. As he walks home on crutches, Umezawa drives by and gives him a lift. Ippo's relief is short-lives, however, as Umezawa suddenly reveals he plans to quit working on the Makunouchi fishing boat!
Directed by Masayoshi NishidaWritten by Atsuo Ishino
Episode 15
To celebrate Ippo's win and recovery, the whole gym gang hops aboard the Makunouchi Fishing Boat for a fun fishing trip. Yagi suggests they liven things up with a little contest, and suddenly a relaxing afternoon turns into an all-out war!
Directed by Kim Dong-junWritten by Atsuo Ishino
Episode 16
While Takamura approaches his physical limits as he cuts weight for his upcoming world title match, the American champion David Eagle arrives in Japan. Talented, dedicated, respectful, and honorable, he exudes the aura of a true champion.
Directed by Tadao OkuboWritten by Atsuo Ishino
Episode 17
It's time for Kimura and Aoki to step into the ring at the Yokohama Arena! Kimura's up first, and nerves come into play as he stands before a huge crowd for the first time. Then when Aoki's turn comes up, he finds himself perplexed by a boxer every bit as unorthodox as himself! Can the duo set the right tone for Takamura's title match?!
Directed by Masami HataWritten by Katsunari Ishida
Episode 18
It's the semifinal match, Miyata vs. Dachboy, and the Miyata camp recognizes a familiar face in the opponent's corner... Mister Sakaguchi, the former manager of the boxer Miyata beat for the OPBF title!
Directed by Kim Min-sunWritten by Atsuo Ishino
Episode 19
It's finally time for the main event, Takamura Mamoru vs. David Eagle! The challenger is full of vim and vigor, but even in the face of Takamura's fury, Eagle's face remains calm and collected.
Directed by Minoru YamaokaWritten by Tatsuro Inamoto
Episode 20
Despite being stymied by Eagle, Takamura assures his corner he has a plan for victory. Just as he seems to be making progress, a shocking development changes the entire fight.
Directed by Chiharu SatoWritten by Tatsuro Inamoto
Episode 21
Blood sprays across the ring as Takamura and Eagle pound at each other's cuts. Takamura's good eye is quickly swelling shut, and the ringside doctor stands ready to call the match at any time.
Directed by Masami HataWritten by Tatsuro Inamoto
Episode 22
And old photo and a little prodding from Ippo and Aoki prompts Coach Kamogawa and Nekota to take a trip down memory lane. Theirs is a tale of hope, frustration, and ultimately redemption in the early days of postwar Japan.
Directed by Kim Dong-junWritten by Satoshi Nishimura
Episode 23
Prizefighting turns out to be no match for boxing as Sergeant Ralph Anderson easily manhandles Kamogawa and Nekota. The two fighters redouble their training even as they adjust to their new lives living with Yuki...and each other.
Directed by Kenji MutoWritten by Satoshi Nishimura
Episode 24
Kamogawa breathes a sigh of relief as he watches Nekota run circles around Anderson with his spectacular footwork... Until round four, when the soldier's frustration reaches a critical mass and things take a dark turn.
Directed by Kim Min-sunWritten by Satoshi Nishimura
Episode 25
Kamogawa resorts to pounding a log with his bare fists as he trains to face Anderson and avenge Nekota. Anderson rediscovers his pride as a boxer and brings Miguel along as his cornerman. Everything comes down to this!
Directed by Satoshi NishimuraWritten by Satoshi Nishimura
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Tomokazu SekiIchiro Miyata (voice)
Kohei KiyasuIppo Makunouchi (voice)
Rikiya KoyamaMamoru Takamura (voice)
Wataru TakagiMasaru Aoki (voice)
Jurota KosugiRalph Anderson (voice)
Keiji FujiwaraTatsuya Kimura (voice)
Hidenobu KiuchiDavid Eagle (voice)
Kenji UtsumiGenji Kamogawa (voice)
Nippon TVJapan
MadhouseJapan
MAPPAJapan
Nippon Television Network CorporationJapan
D.N. Dream PartnersJapan
VAPJapanMore shows like Fighting Spirit.
